Social media personality Zeinab Harake once again found herself at the center of online bashing—this time over a grammar slip during her interview at the GMA Gala 2025, where she attended with husband Bobby Ray Parks Jr.
The couple graced the red carpet in coordinated black custom Michael Cinco ensembles, which Zeinab described as a “black version” of their wedding outfits. They tied the knot in Tagaytay last June 1.
In an interview with Spot, Zeinab was asked about her dream honeymoon destination.
“’Yung honeymoon trip na gusto talaga namin is from Europe,” Zeinab said.
To which Ray added, “Yep, we want to go to Europe.”
Zeinab explained she has long dreamed of visiting Greece, inspired by the hit Korean drama ‘Descendants of the Sun’.
“Dream destination ko siya since I was seventeen because of Descendants of the Sun K-drama and ‘yun talaga ang gusto kong ma-explore,” she shared.
However, what caught netizens’ attention was her phrasing “from Europe,” which many pointed out as grammatically incorrect.
@lionheartv @zeinabharake at @rayparksjr HHWW na bago pa maglakad sa blue carpet ng #GMAGala2025 ! #ZeinabHarake #rayparksjr #entertainmentnewsph #tiktoktainmentph #newsph #Bestoftiktokph #HONOR400Pro5G #YourAIPhone #200MPUltraClearAICamera #LionhearTV #RAWRNation
The criticism was swift, with comments such as: “Zeinab, ‘wag na kasi mag-English [crying emoji].” “Palagi siyang wrong grammar [laughing emoji] huhu sorry Zeb.” “Pwede namang mag-Tagalog na lang. Hindi mo naman ikaka-sosyal ang English.”
Despite the negativity, some netizens rose to her defense.
“Sa Pilipinas, laging issue ‘yung English grammar. Paano kung hindi forte ‘yong English?” said one commenter.
Another added, “At least tinatry ni Zeinab. ‘Yun ang pinakamahalaga. Yung iba habang buhay hindi mag-e-English sa takot na magkamali.”
Zeinab has previously admitted that English isn’t her strongest suit. In fact, during her wedding last June, she enlisted the help of friend Donnalyn Bartolome to write and refine her vows.
She also credited her husband Ray for helping her navigate and improve her use of English.
“Isa siya sa mga nag-ga-guide sa akin,” she once said.
While the grammar police were quick to pounce, Zeinab’s supporters remind the public that trying and learning should never be mocked—especially in a country where English is not the first language.
